National Mariners Association October 2010 Newsletter

As always, Captain Richard Block has made his typically huge effort and rolled out another timely newsletter for we merchant mariners of the limited-tonnage sector. This issue in particular has a lot of important news that deserves your immediate attention, starting with the passage of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010. Taking effect on December 15th of this year, it contains numerous changes to the law that you’ll want to be aware of. Some of these changes are, or at least have the potential to be, important gains for the working mariner. A clear legal requirement for employers to provide mariners with sea service letters? Check. Better mariner representation on the freshly-reauthorized Towing Safety Advisory Committee? Check. Towing vessel inspections finally moving forward? Check. There’s much to read, so read on!